Surveying the acronyms, slogans and victim names that serve as titles for measures introduced in Congress and other legislative bodies, some of which may graduate to the U.S. Code and other statute books.

Friday, June 14, 2013

Abortion Back in the Limelight

Rep. Trent Franks (R., AZ) has introduced the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, which would prohibit "abortion[s] from being performed if the probable post-fertilization age of the unborn child is 20 weeks or greater." The measure was recently approved by the House Judiciary Committee (20-12), and will now be considered by the entire House. The theory of whether or not fetuses of 20 weeks can actually feel pain is disputed. Democrats have also criticized the measure for not having an exception for rape victims. Mr. Franks introduced similar legislation in the 112th Congress that failed the House.